PARKS FOR THE PEOPLE: STUDIO TO PRACTICE

Posts about Valles Caldera National Preserve

• Super Volcano = Super Experience

  Posted on: August 25, 2012

  My experience this summer has been extremely educational on many fronts, fulfilling in that my goals and aspirations to work towards LA certification have been reaffirmed, and overall, the internship was just plain fun.  I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work alongside the landscape architects at the Valles Caldera National Preserve in their Recreation Planning Division.  I learned the importance of preservation, both environmental and cultural; I learned the importance of planning and engaging other professionals in the process in order to help shape the outcome with careful consideration; I learned the importance of creating an experience.  My efforts were valued within our division and we worked as a team.

   

  

   

  Throughout these last two months, we touched upon a myriad of projects ranging from physical environmental constraints caused by natural occurrences such as fire and rain to the necessary next phase of public access, the preserve, and environmental conservation.  The latter description lead to a project in which the goal was to expand the range of public access that is already existing to include handicap access. The final project board and talking points may be viewed below and have been prepared for presentation at the next board meeting with the intention of starting a dialogue and moving the project forward.  In the compilation of this material, I found it helpful to consult the designing the parks principles for direction, and although this project touches upon several of these principles, a glaring connection may be made to the principle, “The Engagement of All People”.

   

  

   

  The location of the boardwalk, projecting into the wide open space of the Valle Grande, lends itself to a wholesome experience– one that can be accessed by many and whereas additional programming and interpretative structures may be considered for further enhancement.

   

  The “Engagement of All People” principle incorporates the following concepts:

  Connect people to community, nature and mankind.
  Create healing places for individuals, communities, cultures.
  Engage people of diverse cultures, ages and interests.
  Empower youth to be bold leaders and influence design in parks.
  Create stewards through active learning about a place and its meanings.
  Lead and inspire by example.
  Accommodate, incorporate, and enhance emerging technologies to embrace visitor of all ages and backgrounds.

  (for the complete list of principles, visit www.designingtheparks.org)

   

  An insight that I learned and can take away from this experience is the importance of teamwork in the planning process.  In the Spring of 2012, I had the opportunity to work with the CCNY studio team on the Nicodemus National Historic Site.  We researched individually and in teams large amounts of data, devising conclusions from the whole.  Conclusions that directly impacted our design focus and initiatives for the site.  This process was not one that any of us could have successfully completed on our own.  It required each of us, with our different backgrounds, to contribute.  I had a wonderful opportunity to meet up with Grace in Nicodemus and to convey our work to the residents of Nicodemus, and I must say, I was proud to tell them what we accomplished and what our findings were that led us to the final design.  Teamwork was not only present in our studio processes, but in my work at the Valles Caldera National Preserve throughout my summer internship.  Working in a team environment enables us to learn, stay interested and engaged, and work together towards a greater goal.  I learned a tremendous amount from those I was surrounded by, and with this knowledge, I further realized the richness of the place I was in and was inspired to bring these realizations out for everyone to enjoy.

   

  

  CCNY STUDIO TEAM in Nicodemus, KS 2012 sans the team leader and photographer Denise Hoffman Brandt

   

   

   

• Designing for Public Access

  Posted on: August 7, 2012

  The latest project stems from a collaboration of ideas between Dave (my supervisor) and myself while hiking one of the free public trails down to the Valle Grande from NM Route 4 (Route 4 is the main road that runs through the Jemez which gives access to not only the Valles Caldera National Preserve, but to Bandelier National Monument and a plethora of trail systems maintained by the National Forest Service).  We took this journey to explore what is currently being offered to the public while considering the mission of the Valles Caldera Trust Public Access and Use Plan.

  

  Exploratory Path into Valle Grande mapped using a GPS device
  Circles: Exploratory points along our path
  Lines: Road systems already in place
  Dashed Lines: Existing trail systems

  The plan in part [describes the alternatives for the development of facitilities and infrastructure on the preserve, it also serves as a guide for programs and activities for public access and use for recreation, education, scientific research, and other purposes.  The purpose of this plan is to expand the current level of public access and use on the preserve while protecting and preserving its natural and cultural resources and values and to provide quality outdoor recreation and interpretive opportunities…]  Valles Caldera Trust Summary Public Access and Use Plan.  This document and others like it pertaining to the preserve can be found on the VCNP website by clicking here.

  The current Valle Grande trail is frequented by hikers who want a short, easy rated trail with beautiful views and access to an area that is close to the Valle Grande.  The problem, however, is that the trail ends shortly after the tree line, and a fence at the end of the trail limits accessibility to the grand open space. Because we were on a mission to figure out if we could make this area more accessible, and how, we headed out to what is almost the center of the Valle Grande.  We encountered a stream that meanders through and an abundance of wildflowers, grasses and interesting (and very large) insects that I have never seen before. While out there, many of the Caldera’s mountains are clearly visible.  We discussed the interpretive options and possibilities that could be highlighted.  This would be a great opportunity to collaborate with the interpretive team to possibly add signage discussing a variety of attributes (and my favorite: flowers) in the area.

  

  We discussed how we could improve this trail experience while building upon it to include access to the Valle Grande.   The conclusion– a controlled trail into it.  But now the question is, how do we do this while protecting the delicate  natural ecosystem?  Needing to consider cost constraints and the actual trail footprint, we thought the concept of a boardwalk would be the least invasive, most affordable, and could offer access to all– those with disabilities could make their way down this boardwalk via shuttle perhaps (more options for thought).  All to be considered when it’s time to actually lay out this structure.

  In an effort to get this project off the ground, I gathered some images of boardwalks from different places; prepared some sketches of boardwalk designs; looked into possible shade structures (it can get really hot and dry out there); and started to learn about the dangers of lightning– I’m still a bit stumped on how to handle this.  If anyone has any suggestions, please do share.

  And so…to further visualize the potential of this boardwalk experience, I created a couple of photoshop renderings to show to Dave, et al. to relay my vision and make sure we were on the same page.

   

  

  The proposed boardwalk will be approximately 1 mile in length, leading to a central area within the Valle Grande.  I am currently waiting on a contour map so that I can practice the “slope” formula and layout the boardwalk over the distance of approximately one mile and many contours.  If I didn’t have it down last semester, I sure will after this!

• Flash Flood Damage

  Posted on: July 30, 2012

  Here in the Jemez, this time of year is referred to as ‘monsoon season’.  The rain is mostly welcomed, as it cools everything down and helps lower the potential for fires.  The rain usually comes in the afternoons– some days really heavy– and may cause flash flooding.    A little over a week ago, we experienced flash flooding that caused damage to the existing roads impeding vehicular access to certain areas.  My supervisor and I took a trip up to that area to see what actually happened, and the damage was pretty bad.  The source of watershed was from the surrounding mountains that had been burned during the previous year.  I recently learned that normally the vegetation helps to absorb and slow the flow of water but when an area is burned, the water just basically runs off of it.  Because the water can collect and glide much faster, it is much more intense causing more damage.

  Although I will not be working on the reclamation of these roads, I thought it was an important aspect to share– this was unexpected and poses a significant inconvenience to the accessibility along in the northeast area of the preserve.  The combined effect of two of these natural processes resulted in washing out this area completely.  It’s going to take a significant amount of research, engineering, and planning to regain access to the roads beyond.

  

  

  

   

  We continued on different route to the North Rim of the preserve to see if there was any additional damage and get a glimpse from the top- what an awesome journey.  For those who are interested, I’ve posted additional images on our facebook page– click here to view.

   

• Engaging Community Partnerships: Week 2 at VCNP

  Posted on: July 21, 2012

  VCNP has several special events that are coordinated each year.  ‘Cruise the Caldera’ is one of these events that is scheduled to take place on August 25.  It consists of a majority of the preserve being opened to people who would like to explore the trails and old logging roads via their mountain bikes.  There are 85 miles of trail open for their use consisting of a variety of terrain and views to experience, as well as a day time ride and a twilight ride.  Being that this event is only open solely to m-bikers once per year, we want people to take advantage of the opportunity.  Of the 500 open spots allotted for last year, only 60 were filled- that was a sign that some partnerships need to be cultivated here.

  

  Artwork design by VCNP staff.

   

  This week I worked with Emily, VCNP’s special events coordinator while the Supervisor’s were away, to spread the word about the upcoming event throughout Santa Fe and Albuquerque.  We targeted bike shops across town, talked with store owners, clerks and customers, and told them about the event and VCNP as a whole.  Most people knew of the preserve and were really excited to hear of the event and more than happy to help us promote, and maybe even partake themselves.  I think we opened some doors to the community last week and I hope these relationships grow.

   

• The Phenomenology Map

  Posted on: July 10, 2012

  

  A studio practice put to use…early on in the process

  For those of you reading who attended CCNY with me last semester understand why this may have a slight bit of comedy to it.  Our first studio encounter with the phenomenology map was in Nicodemus, KS on our site visit where the weather was frigid and extremely windy to say the least.  We all had trouble documenting our experiences to truly represent the place and had, well, let’s just say several attempts at it which were all mostly unsuccessful.  For those of you who didn’t attend CCNY and/or do not understand what a phenomenology map is, it is a map that one makes while out in the field to help remember and display symbolically on paper one’s experience.  It helps to guide the design process because what you feel, hear, sense, touch, etc. is part of the experience– and as designers we may want to highlight aspects of these experiences for the enjoyment of others, and sometimes not.

   

  Today, I was asked to venture out into the Preserve into a certain area and explore– I was asked to see if an overnight back country camping trail may be an option here.  As I walked along, I used my camera to photograph the different terrain, trees, insects, and wildlife I saw along the way.  I realized the location I was in was gorgeous by way of photography however, Route 4 (the road that runs along the outskirts of the preserve) is very dominant in its presence.  I needed to draw up a map so that I could further document my experience.  Both of the Landscape Architects on site here are out for the rest of the week and my response needs to be more than just, “I don’t think this is a good idea.”  Although I was enjoying the path I was asked to follow, I realized that we have almost 90,000 acres here on the preserve and that this area was not one I would want to use for camping– perhaps a nature trail but even that I’m not sure about.  I continued on and drew up a phenomenology map to go along with my photography.  Creating the sketch with a pen on my knee, it’s not all that great, but the point is, that this studio practice turned out to be most helpful.  For the purposes of sharing this map, I added some color to make it a bit more interesting.  The original map sketch lies under the color.  Choose the more tab to see images that accompany this map. (more…)

• An Experiment in Public Land Use. VCNP and what that means…

  Posted on: July 4, 2012

  The Valles Caldera National Preserve is an incredible resource for science, beauty, history and recreation…and these words only scratch the surface.  You really need to experience this place to believe it.   The VCNP’s mission, in part, is an experiment in public land use.  What does that mean?  I wondered the same thing myself.  “[The Valles Caldera National Preserve is managed by the Valles Caldera Trust and] was established as a demonstration area which incorporates elements of public and private administration…The trust operates the Preserve as a working ranch and provides recreational opportunities, while protecting cultural an natural resources as mandated in the Valles Caldera Preservation Act of 2000 –VCNP.”

  Having studied the Nicodemus, KS site as our studio project last semester, this is a new place to learn about.  I’m currently spending my evenings reading about the Land Use History of the Preserve so that I may be of assistance in making informed decisions in regards to the planning and recreation here on the preserve.  Not quite caught up on a semesters worth of research but with access to the staff here and research materials, I am getting there and will be able to share what I learn with all of you.

  

  Yesterday was a great first day.  Dave, a landscape architect and one of my supervisors, took me around the site and showed me only a portion of the preserve.  The variety of natural resources, geology, ecology and cultural history in this one location is really amazing.  Granted, it is almost 90,000 acres and enormous in scale, much of the site has yet to be explored.  Valles Caldera is a Super Volcano- one of only a few in the world.  What is a super volcano?  Click here for the quick wikipedia version, as I was not able to find an introduction on the VCNP website.  Prior to the government taking over the preserve, it was a private working ranch and before that an area that was sought for its natural resources by the logging industry.  We spent the day in the car and discussed options ranging from camp access; the three proposed visitor center locations should we get approval- the pros and cons of each; and the location of the main sign, which was pretty much figured out.  All very relative questions in the realm of landscape architecture.  The car tour, which took up the majority of our day only allowed me to see about 1/4 of the preserve.  Yes, I am going to learn a lot here.  To view pictures from today’s tour on facebook, click here.

  Today I had the opportunity to sit in on a staff meeting where we learned of projects and processes being considered and worked on throughout each department in the preserve from the archaeologists, scientists, biologists and recreation people (some of those who I now share an office with) to human resources, safety and security.  There is an enormous amount of ‘what if’s’ to be considered here.  The Executive Director of the preserve called upon the supervisors and some staff to give their input on how the operations can be improved, had everyone share what they are working on,  and touched upon some topics of safety and fire (huge concerns out here).  It’s very easy to get lost and because of the climate here, also very prone to fire.  Two potentially dangerous scenarios.  Everyone works together and it’s clearly essential for the success of the preserve.  I received a warm welcome and am happy to be a part of the team for next couple of months.

  It’s been an extremely interesting two days.  I’m looking forward to assisting in the campground research and implementation which seems to be high on the priority list.  How else will we be able to create a visitor experience without experiencing it ourselves?  We talked about putting together  staff camp outing to assess different places and experiences so that we may create some for our guests.  I will keep you posted.

   

• Parks for the People Intern Blog

  Posted on: June 27, 2012

  Hey everyone, our new blog is up on the Van Alen website. We will be posting about our experiences working at the different NPS locations and want to know what you think…keep up with our progress and cheer us on.